Dr.Osahon Enabulele, President of the World Medical Association (WMA), reiterated his call for a strong health system, a resilient health workforce, and universal health coverage (UHC) on Friday during a visit to His Excellency, Godwin Obaseki, Executive Governor of Edo State, at the Edo State Government House.
During the visit, WMA President Dr.Enabulele congratulated the State Governor, His Executive Council members, the Oba of Benin, and the people of Edo State for their support in his leadership of the World Medical Association.
He informed the Governor of his progress and commitment towards fulfilling his mandate as WMA President, particularly as it concerns the advancement of global health through advocacy for health system strengthening and universal health coverage.
He also briefed him on his efforts towards promoting medical ethics, patient-centred care, the reduction of violence against physicians and other health professionals, investment in the development of a resilient and motivated health workforce, and support for WMA constituent members, among others.
He commended the Governor for his efforts in repositioning the state in areas such as Civil service reforms, Sports development, electricity and power generation, technology, and Digital transformation.
In addition, the WMA President expressed great delight at the triumphant victory of Bendel Insurance Football Club at the recently held 2023 Nigeria Federation Cup. He stated that this was only possible because of the state government’s obvious commitment to Sports, including the revival of the Bendel Insurance Football Club, which last won a major tournament 43 years ago, precisely in 1980.
While praying for many more developmental strides, the WMA President called on the State Government to urgently attend to the existing challenges in the State’s health sector.
He particularly tasked the State government with strengthening the system and motivating the existing Human resources for Health in the State. He further appealed to the Governor to implement the new Hazard allowance approved for physicians and other health professionals in Nigeria.
The WMA President also used the opportunity of the visit to formally invite the Governor to the 76th General Assembly of the WMA, billed to be held in Kigali, Rwanda, in October this year.
He thereafter called on the Chairman of the Edo State branch of the Nigerian Medical Association, Dr.Udoka Imoisili, to make her official presentation to the Governor. Thereafter, the Governor responded to both speeches.
In his response, the Executive Governor thanked the WMA President for the visit. He stated that the people of the State were very proud of the WMA President, whom he stated had so far recorded many progressive strides in his tenure.
He praised the WMA President’s commendable efforts in strengthening the health system and achieving universal health coverage.
He equally thanked the WMA President for being appreciative of the State Government’s developmental strides and promised to physically attend the 76th General Assembly of the WMA along with members of his Government.
While assuring the WMA President of his commitment to strengthen the State’s health system as well as his readiness to address the demands brought forward by the Edo State branch of the NMA, the Governor called for a special workshop to be organized with a focus on reforming the State’s health system.
The highly successful visit was also attended by other top officials of government, including the Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, the Secretary to the State Government, Barr.Osarodion Ogie, and the Chief of Staff, Osaigbovo Iyoha.
Similarly, at the event were the State Commissioner for Health, Dr.Samuel Ali; the Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr.Chris Nehikhare; and other Civil Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, and heads of agencies, amongst others.
In the delegation of the WMA President were his wife, Associate Professor Joan Enabulele; the Chairman of the Edo State branch of NMA, Dr.Udoka Imoisili; the Deputy Chairman of Edo NMA, Dr. Benjamin Okwara; and other members of the Edo NMA State Executive Council, including Heads of Affiliate Bodies of Edo NMA.
Before his visit to the Edo State Governor, the WMA President had earlier had a Presidential Roundtable with resident doctors at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, where he introduced them to the World Medical Association and its mission, objectives, activities, and benefits.
